The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) renewed its sponsorship to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) with a deal worth $7.2 million in fuel costs for two years.

"Our relationship with the Jamaica Football Federation spans some 12 years. We started in September 2004 with a commitment to provide 2,400 litres of fuel to offset the transportation cost of the national men's senior team. This commitment was initially for a two-year period and was later extended to four years," Howard Mollison, Petrojam's general manager, said, while announcing the new deal at Petrojam's corporate office located at Marcus Garvey Drive yesterday.

"This afternoon (yesterday), we are pleased to announce the renewal of our commitment to the national football programme. We have strengthened our support for the activities of the JFF by extending the sponsorship arrangement beyond the men's senior team to all national football teams," he also said.

HIGHER VALUE

"For this sponsorship period, which ends in 2018, we have also increased the dollar value of the sponsorship from $4.8 million in 2012 to $7.2 million, meaning that the monthly fuel allocation has increased to $150,000 per month, up from $100,000 per month. We are sure that this partnership will redound to the benefit of our footballers and to our nation," Morrison added.

The national men's senior football team - dubbed The Reggae Boyz is scheduled to engage Costa Rica in the CONCACAF World Cup qualification semi-final round match at the National Stadium tomorrow, starting at 7 p.m.

"It is our pleasure to continue this partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation and we do wish the Reggae Boyz every success as they take on Costa Rica. Please be assured that we are with you every step of the way as we continue to fuel your dreams," he concluded.

Petrojam's sponsorship came hot on the heels of telecommunications giant Digicel's US$3 million contribution to the JFF programme on Tuesday, which runs for four years.

"Coach (Winfried Sch‰fer) was a little bit concerned that a country that is so passionate about sports is not getting enough support. Now, getting two sponsorships in two days serves as a catalyst for further support," Burrell responded.

"There are other companies out there who sit back and criticise. We have 11 national teams to support, so we need assistance.

"The support will dry up if we are not successful, so it is up to the Reggae Boyz as we have an opportunity come Friday to show the world that we have a good team. Costa Rica will get a big surprise," the JFF head assured.